Math Problem Statement

Let a1, a2,..., an be a sequence of integers. Show that there exist integers j and k with 1 ≤ j ≤ k ≤ n such that the sum sigma i=j to k ai is a multiple of n

Solution

We are tasked with proving that given any sequence of integers a1,a2,,ana_1, a_2, \ldots, a_n, there exist integers jj and kk such that the sum i=jkai\sum_{i=j}^k a_i is a multiple of nn.

Proof Outline:

  1. Prefix Sums: Define the prefix sums of the sequence: Sm=a1+a2++amfor m=1,2,,n.S_m = a_1 + a_2 + \cdots + a_m \quad \text{for } m = 1, 2, \dots, n. Additionally, define S0=0S_0 = 0 for convenience.

  2. **R

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Prefix Sums
Modular Arithmetic

Formulas

S_m = a_1 + a_2 + ... + a_m for m = 1, 2, ..., n
S_0 = 0 (initial prefix sum)

Theorems

Pigeonhole Principle

Suitable Grade Level

College Level